RichardE.Leja

Richard E. Leja 1940 - 2012 HOLYOKE - Richard E. Leja, 72, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 20, 2012 at Renaissance Manor on Cabot with his loving family by his side. Born March 26, 1940, son of the late Edward and Victoria (Cupak) Leja, he was a lifelong Holyoke resident. A graduate of Holyoke High School, Class of 1958, Richard then continued his education at Western New England College, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1973, and a Master of Business Administration degree in 1976. He was an Airman First Class with the Air National Guard of Massachusetts and the Reserve of the U.S. Air Force. A communicant of the former Mater Dolorosa Church, he was also a member of the Technical Marketing Society of America. For over ten years, he served as an auxiliary policeman for the city of Holyoke. Richard was a Contracts Manager at Hamilton Standard, Inc. for over thirty years, retiring in 1993. He was a marathon runner, and in 1979 and 1980 completed the Ocean State Marathon in Rhode Island. A dedicated horseman, he was the proud part owner of "Colonial Affair", a winner of the Belmont Stakes. Richard is survived by his beloved fiancee, Gail Butler of Montreal, Canada; his loving cousins, Theodore Cupak of Springfield, Darryl Cupak and his wife Theresa of Westfield, Michael Cupak and his wife Rose of Granby, Lou Hemm and his wife Barbara of New York, Joyce Mokrzycki of New Hampshire, Louise Schott of New Jersey, and Joanne Leja of Woronoco; and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Attorney Edward V. Leja. Family and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday at 10 AM in Our Lady of the Cross Church, 23 Sycamore St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Burial will follow in Mater Dolorosa Cemetery. There are no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Cross Church. Kozikowski Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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